And Saul defeated the Amalekites from Havilah as far as Shur, which is east of Egypt.
Here, I. Samuel, in God's name, solemnly requires Saul to be obedient to the command of God, and plainly intimates that he was now about to put him upon a trial, in one particular instance, whether he would be obedient or no, Sa1 15:1. And the making of this so expressly the trial of his obedience did very much aggravate his disobedience. 1.
Commenting on 1 Samuel 15:1-9
And Saul smote the Amalekites,.... Engaging in battle with them, he overcame them, and beat them, and slew great numbers of them: from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt; having routed them in the valley, or in whatsoever place the battle was fought, he pursued them from one end of their country to the other; from Havilah, which lay to...
HE SPARES AGAG AND THE BEST OF THE SPOIL. (Sa1 15:7-9) Saul smote the Amalekites--His own view of the proper and expedient course to follow was his rule, not the command of God.